Thursday, September 20, 2007

Here's an email from Ted Kennedy and the Committee for a Democratic Majority about a worthwhile initiative to expand the number of Iraqi refugees admitted to the United States. The text speaks for itself, and I hope you'll click through to sign the petition and show your support. As the title of the email says, we owe them.

American soldiers aren't the only ones in danger in Iraq.

Thousands of brave Iraqi men and women work alongside our military, State Department, contractors and non-governmental organizations in Iraq, meeting a critical need for Arabic translators and supporting our effort in Iraq.

Now insurgents are hunting down these cooperative Iraqis and killing them and their families for working with "the enemy."

Regardless of where we stand on the war, the US has an obligation to help the Iraqis who have supported our troops -- and whose lives are in peril as a result.

The Bush Administration has failed this obligation and left these brave friends behind -- and that's unacceptable. That's why I'm sponsoring bipartisan legislation to make it easier for Iraqis associated with the US to seek refugee status and escape the consequences of their collaboration.

This issue isn't as well known as it should be, so make sure you spread the word. Here are some compelling numbers:

The State Department pledged to process 25,000 Iraqi refugee applications this year. Then they reduced that number 7,000 -- and later to 2,000.

With only a few days left in the fiscal year, fewer than 1,000 refugees have been admitted to the United States. One Iraqi translator told 60 Minutes:

"I lost everything. I lost my country, I cannot stay there anymore, and I lost all my friends. I can't see them, I lost my family, and I feel like a prisoner."

There has to be a better way. While the United States cannot resettle every Iraqi refugee, we can't ignore the mortal danger facing these brave Iraqis working with our country.

The legislation I've introduced streamlines the process for Iraqis who have worked with us to receive refugee status. It also makes 5,000 special immigrant visas available to those who have worked with our government for a year.

Too many Iraqis have already died for helping our troops. Tell President Bush to protect the people who are protecting us:

The United States doesn't have many friends in Iraq these days, and we aren't helping the situation.

As Retired General Paul Eaton said:

"Anybody who threw their lot in with the Americans deserves an opportunity for a future. And the loyalty has got to be in both directions. If we do not take care of these people, then the signal to anybody else in the future is a bad signal. And if you throw your lot with the United States, they'll use you for a while and then they will - they'll just cut you off," he argues.

Asked if he thinks it's a matter of honor, Eaton says, "I believe this is a matter of morality."

Many of us disagree with President Bush's failed war, but that doesn't mean we can turn our backs on these Iraqi men and women. Americans have paid a terrible price for this war -- but we must not forget the Iraqis who are paying a terrible price as well.

Sincerely,Senator Edward M. Kennedy

So many things in Iraq defy our ability and desire to do good. This is something we can do, and therefore have the moral imperative to do. Please help by signing the petition.